Indentity Proofing

Q. Why do I need to prove my identity?

A. Identity theft is the world’s fastest growing crime. For your protection, and for the protection of all New Jersey Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD) has instituted an "Identity Verification" process.

Q. When will my identity be verified?

A. Your identity will be verified when you file an initial claim for UI benefits and it also may be annually validated when claiming weekly benefits.

Q. How is my identity proved and validated?

A. You will be asked a series of multiple choice questions obtained from public records that relate to your background to verify and confirm your identity and to reduce the risk of fraud. NJLWD does NOT retain any information that is used to verify your identity.

Q. What if I elect not to participate in identity proofing?

A. If you choose not to participate in the identity verification process, you will be permitted to continue filing your claim or claiming your weeky benefits. However, no unemployment insurance benefit payments will be issued until NJLWD confirms that your identity has been properly verified.

Q. What happens if I fail identity proofingorif I elect not to participate?

A. You will be required to report, in-person, to one of NJLWD's designated offices with acceptable documentation to verify your identity. You will receive instructions in the mail explaining this process.

Q. What documentation must I provide to prove my identity?

A. You must provide originalorcertified copies of your Social Security Card andotherdocumentation that contains your name and current mailing address. (Mail addressed to a Post Office (P.O.) box is not considered acceptable proof of address.) You will receive instructions in the mail that lists acceptable documentation.

Q. How can I prove my identity if I live out-of-state?

A. Non-residents of New Jersey are permitted to fax their proof of identity documents. If you are an out-of-state claimant, you will be mailed instructions explaining what you must do to prove your identity.

Q. To which offices may I report to prove my identity?

A. You may report to one of our designated One-Stop Career Centers to present the documents needed to validate your identity. The link below will take you to a listing of the Unemployment Insurance offices to where you may report. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/forms_pdfs/ui/ui_office_locations.pdf

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is an equal employment opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to assist individuals with disabilities.